Jacques Martin (1844 - 1919), The Meal

Born in 1844 in Villeurbanne (Rhône), died November 13, 1919 in Lyon.
After studying at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Jacques Martin became director of the Coignet factory, specializing in the production of concrete. Around 1878 he took an autodidact interest in painting and set up a workshop in the premises of his factory. The Lyonnais painter François Vernay (1821-1896) encouraged him and gave him his advice. Thus, from 1881, he presented his work in Lyon and Paris salons. Here the canvas represents a family meal. Jacques Martin's style is characterized by the use of a generous paste, flamboyant colors and light that make his compositions vibrate. The colored mixtures are skilfully used; the painter places side by side with the pure color secondary colors or intermediate tones creating a harmonious colored melody.